The Cognitive Disabilities Model
The Cognitive Disabilities Model helps us to understand the cognitive complexity of tasks that people are able to engage in (Can Do) by assessing their functional cognitive capabilities to perform. This aspect is considered in light of the activities they want to do (Will Do), and how social and environmental barriers and enablers may impact (May Do).
What we now understand as ‘functional cognition’ is a term introduced by Delaune Pollard in the 2005 publication, “Allen’s Cognitive Levels: Meeting the Challenges of Client Focused Services” (Pollard, D. V. & Olin, D., 2005). This core construct recognises the link between brain function and task behaviour.
For therapists, the connection between function and cognition removes the stigma of disability or impairment, and shifts the focus towards interventions that build on abilities.
The guided use of the ACL enables caregivers to work out a scale of ability for the individual. When the level of functional capacity is known, strategies can be implemented to help the client succeed in the activities they can and wish to do.
In Summary:
A person’s engagement is determined by their level of functional cognition
We can assess functional cognition through careful observation of ‘doing’ and a person's use of objects – either individually or in a group
Engaging people in meaningful activity relevant to their abilities is a worthwhile therapeutic intervention